Hey there, fellow plant enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of Grevillea excelsior, also known as the Tall Grevillea or sometimes the Royal Grevillea. If you’re like me, you adore its elegant, spiky foliage and the way its deep red, toothbrush-like flowers attract all sorts of beautiful birds. There’s something incredibly satisfying about coaxing a whole new plant to life from a small piece of its parent. And good news for you: propagating Grevillea excelsior is definitely achievable, you don’t need to be a seasoned pro to have a go!
The Best Time to Start
For the highest chance of success with Grevillea excelsior, I find the late spring and early summer to be the sweet spot. This is when the plant is actively growing, full of energy, and ready to produce new shoots. You’re looking for semi-hardwood cuttings – these are stems that are no longer soft and green but haven’t yet become woody and stiff. They should snap cleanly when bent with a gentle bend.
Supplies You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Sharp, clean pruning shears or a sharp knife: For making clean cuts.
- Rooting hormone (powder or gel): This really gives your cuttings a boost.
- Potting mix: A well-draining mix is crucial. I often use a blend of coarse sand, perlite, and a little peat moss or coco coir. You can also buy specific Native Australian plant mixes.
- Small pots or seed trays: With drainage holes! I can’t stress that enough.
- Clear plastic bags or a propagation dome: To create a humid environment.
- Watering can or spray bottle: For gentle watering.
- Labels and a permanent marker: To keep track of your cuttings.
Propagation Methods
When it comes to Grevillea excelsior, stem cuttings are your most reliable bet.
- Take Your Cuttings: Select healthy, vigorous stems from your parent plant. Using your sharp shears, cut a section about 4-6 inches long. Make sure each cutting has at least two or three leaf nodes (where leaves attach to the stem).
- Prepare the Cuttings: Remove the lower leaves, leaving just a couple of sets at the very top of the cutting. This prevents them from rotting when buried. If the remaining leaves are very large, you can gently trim them in half to reduce water loss through transpiration.
- Apply Rooting Hormone: Dip the cut end of the stem into water (just to moisten it), then into the rooting hormone. Tap off any excess.
- Plant Your Cuttings: Fill your pots or trays with your well-draining potting mix. Make a small hole in the center with your finger or a pencil. Insert the prepared cutting into the hole, ensuring the rooting hormone stays intact. Gently firm the soil around the base of the cutting.
- Water Gently: Water the cuttings thoroughly but gently, so the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Use a watering can with a fine rose or a spray bottle.
- Create Humidity: Place your pots into clear plastic bags (making sure the bag doesn’t touch the leaves too much) or cover them with a propagation dome. This traps moisture and creates the humid environment cuttings need while they develop roots.
- Provide Light: Place the pots in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight. Too much sun can scorch the delicate cuttings.
The “Secret Sauce” (Pro Tips)
Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years that make a real difference:
- Bottom Heat is Your Friend: If you can, place your pots on a heat mat designed for propagation. This gentle warmth from below encourages root development remarkably well. It’s like giving them a warm hug!
- Sterilize EVERYTHING: This is non-negotiable in my book. Make sure your pruning shears, knives, and even your pots are clean and disinfected. This prevents diseases from spreading to your precious cuttings. A quick wipe with rubbing alcohol usually does the trick.
- Don’t Be Impatient with the Water: If you opt for a water propagation method (which is less common but possible for some Grevilleas), remember: no leaves should touch the water. They’ll rot incredibly quickly. Only the stem should be submerged.
Aftercare & Troubleshooting
Once your cuttings have been planted, the waiting game begins! Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Check your cuttings every few days. You’ll know they’re rooting when you start to see new leaf growth or feel a slight resistance when you gently tug on the cutting. This usually takes anywhere from 4-8 weeks, sometimes longer.
The most common sign of failure is rotting, where the stem turns mushy and black. This is usually a sign of too much moisture and not enough air circulation. If you see this happening, remove the affected cutting immediately to prevent it from spreading.
Once your cuttings have a good root system (you might see them emerging from the drainage holes), you can gently pot them up into slightly larger pots with your usual potting mix. Continue to provide bright, indirect light and keep them watered.
A Little Encouraging Word
Growing new plants is such a rewarding journey, and Grevillea excelsior is a wonderful subject for it. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect. Gardening is all about learning and experimenting. Be patient, keep your cuttings in a good environment, and enjoy the anticipation of watching those roots begin to form. Happy growing!
Resource:
https://identify.plantnet.org/k-world-flora/species/Grevillea%20excelsior%20Diels/data